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Free Motion Fantasy Blog Hop

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Welcome to my stop on the Free Motion Fantasy Blog Hop! I'm sharing lots of pictures in this post, but be sure to stick around to the end - there's a giveaway!

When I saw the Free Motion Fantasy fabrics by Amanda Murphy, I was immediately in love! Amanda created the line specifically for using it for free motion quilting. Every print correlates to a free motion quilting design!Since I'm 36 weeks pregnant with kiddo #3, I have baby on the brain! Right away, I knew I wanted to try making a quilted baby changing mat. Benartex generously sent me the fabrics for the changing mat, and a few extra too!

To start, I made a paper template of the shape I wanted for my changing mat. I based it off a store-bought one that we have used with our previous children. I had to change the size slightly though, as the Heat-N-Bond Iron-On Vinyl is only 17" wide.

I cut the fabrics for the inside and outside of the mat slightly wider and longer than the template. I applied the iron-on vinyl to the inside fabric - Flying Geese in White. This product is clear and turns the fabric into a water-resistant fabric! I pin basted the outside fabric - the Feature fabric in Aqua - with two layers of Warm & Natural batting but with no backing fabric (I didn't want to quilt through the vinyl fabric). I used tape to mark the approximate area that I would need to quilt based on my template.I had planned to do all the quilting with my new longarm, but the fabric designs are a bit small for what I thought I could do accurately (Amanda Murphy does make some great fabric for longarm free motion practice though too!). I wanted to be able to be up close and personal with the fabric to be able to quilt some of the more intricate designs, so I decided to use my domestic machine (a Juki TL-2010Q) for all the sewing and quilting with these projects.

Then I free-motion quilted the feature fabric following the designs in the fabric. I used Aurifil 50wt Shining Green #5017. It's so great to be able to do so many free-motion designs, but have the help of a pattern to follow!

Once quilted, I used the template to cut both the quilted panel and the vinyl inside fabric to the right shape.

I used my walking foot to stitch around the outside edge to secure both pieces together.

I used a piece of the feature fabric to make two pockets. I just hemmed both ends of the fabric, and placed it where I wanted it.

I also used my walking foot to stitch a straight line through all layers (including the vinyl fabric this time) in each place I wanted the mat to fold.

I absolutely LOVE how it turned out! The double batting makes the quilting texture amazing (plus it will give extra cushion when baby is laying on it!).

I think I will add just a bit of Velcro to keep it closed, but don't have any on hand. (An excuse to go to the quilt shop!)Once the changing mat was finished, I still had other fabric to play with! I decided to make a nursing cover - something I've made for each baby (but hadn't made for this baby yet!).

From just one yard of the Teal On a String fabric, I cut a 26"x38" rectangle and two 2 1/2" x 20" pieces for straps. I hemmed all four sides of the rectangle and sewed the strap pieces into tubes. After turning, I sewed the straps onto the main rectangle about 12" from each end. Then I just tied the straps into a bow, and it's ready to use!I still had some of the iron-on vinyl left, so decided to try making a wet bag. A wet bag is a zippered pouch with a water-resistant lining. They can be used to hold wet swim suits after the pool, or dirty cloth diapers until laundry time. We use them a lot at our house!I prepped the inside fabric (this time Bricks in Sky Blue) with the iron-on vinyl and cut the exterior pieces from On a String in Cobalt. I had a navy zipper that would work well, and Aurifil 50wt Bright Teal #1320. I also cut a strip from the Bricks fabric to use as a strap.

Loosely following the tutorial here, I made a wetbag that measures 13"x16" - perfect for throwing in the diaper bag on the go! I added a snap to the strap so it would be a loop for hanging on a door knob or snapping around a stroller handle. I want to make many more of these now!

But I still had fabric left! I really wanted to try making a quilted diaper bag, but I just couldn't find a pattern for one I loved. I decided to make something I would love making instead - a quilt!I cut four of the fabrics (the Feature print in Blue, Bricks in Purple, Pebbles in Blue Pale, and On a String in Cobalt) into WOF strips and sewed them together for a quick quilt top. This time, I wanted the fabric and quilting to be the focus of the quilt - not the design of the quilt.

Last, I switched back to the Aurifil 50wt Bright Teal #1320 to quilt the On a String fabric. (I cheated and only did the circles on every fourth row.)

I used the Pebbles in Pale Blue fabric for 2 1/4" binding (and machine stitched it on like usual).

The finished quilt has such an amazing weight and texture! I sure wish you could feel the texture from the pictures!

I really can't express how much I enjoyed quilting the Free Motion Fantasy fabrics! The fabric is beautiful - and also helps you free motion quilt!I'm also excited to have several custom things ready for baby!I still have a few scraps left over - and I am already looking forward to using them!

Now for the giveaway! Giveaway closed.Benartex is generously offering a fat quarter bundle of the Free Motion Fantasy fabrics to give away! Just leave a comment on this post telling me how you feel about free motion quilting. Are you a Nervous Nellie or Eager Beaver? (And PLEASE leave your email address in your comment if you are a no-reply commenter. Otherwise I won't be able to contact you if you win!) (Giveaway is US only and ends 8/26.)

Disclaimer: Giveaway is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Blogger. By entering, entrants confirm they are 18+ years of age, release Blogger of responsibility, and agree to Blogger's terms of use. No purchase necessary to win. Open to legal residents in the contiguous US only that are 18+ years of age. Giveaway starts at 12:00am CST August 22, 2018 and ends at 11:59pm CST on August 26, 2018. One winner will receive a fat quarter bundle of Free Motion Fantasy fabrics with a retail value of approximately $25. Odds of winning determined by number of eligible entries received. How to enter: leave a comment on this blog post. One comment per person. Duplicate comments will be deleted. Winner will be chosen by random.org on August 27, 2018 from all eligible entries and notified by email. If winner can not be reached via email or prize is unclaimed after three days, a new winner will be chosen by random.org. Winner is responsible for paying any taxes related to the prize. By entering this giveaway, you release Slice of Pi Quilts from any liability whatsoever. Void where prohibited by law.This post contains affiliate links. Clicking a link will NOT affect the purchase price.

I'm always nervous to start the actual quilting, until I get started. After that I'm all in. I rarely rip quilting stitches. I figure the ultimate purpose is to hold the layers together. So if it's not perfect, and it never is, what difference does it really make. Congrats on the new baby!

Congratulations! I love the baby mat. I've make tons of bibs and burp cloths, now I have something new to add to the mix. Definitely a nervous nellie. I've practiced but never felt comfortable actually FMQ an actual quilt. Like Kathy, I go back to my walking foot. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com

Your changing mat is beautiful and practical! I will keep this mind as an awesome gift for a new mom. As for free motion quilting, I feel comfortable with stippling, but not much beyond that. I love the idea of this fabric with a print to follow!

Laura, you really blew this one out of the water with your fantastic projects! I am drooling over your detailed quilting! The new baby will be welcomed into this world with such wonderful cuddly pieces! I am a bit less than "OK" with FMQ. I've tried, I've practiced, I've done some on projects, but I'm never really pleased with the outcome. I'm happier using my walking foot and using straight line or wavy stitches. Maybe someday.... duchick at gmail dot com

Definitely a nervous Nellie about free motion quilting..................you want straight lines -- no problem -- I can do that all day long. Love the items you made and the fabric looks gorgeous. Nadine Willis N. Cali rnwillis@velotech.net

How nice to have things for the new baby! I would love to try that fabric for FMQ. I was thinking about the vinyl the other day when things were sweating from the humidity. I am going to make a few for my table for the summer..kind of the reverse of a hot pad!

Loved the idea of the pad and nursing cover, wish we had grandchildren to make these for. The fabrics shown are very nice, they have pretty designs and are cheerful in some of my favorite colors. I like the placement of the back of the folded pad, the circle of the design could be embroidered with a name or phrase. Pretty nice!

Your projects are Awesome, and soooo pretty!! Great job!! I am sooo much of a Nervous Nellie :/ here..but practicing more..and will soon try a bigger project :) Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way...and for sharing how you made you baby things too..

LOVE those blues and greens. I am kept busy making clothes and things for my 15 mo old granddaughter, which she loves. Sounds like you have your hands full with 2 boys and another one on the way. Good luck. Thanks for the opportunity of winning some beautiful fabric.

I am an experienced quilter but still a nervous Nellie when it comes to free motion quilting! My big hands just do not co operate!! Love your baby attire here.. every mother should have this set! super job.. dorothyrholt@gmail.com

I am in the nervous nellie camp, but I'm getting over that by making kennel quilts. I remind myself that the dogs don't care what the quilting looks like and that helps me practice with a bit less self-consciousness.

Thank you so much for sharing all of your fabulous projects with us! My Niece just had her second baby and I have been stitching like crazy and having a blast making items for her and the baby. I am a Nervous Nellie, I avoid it as often as I can!

Nervous about starting but getting braver with my quilting. Thanks for sharing all your baby projects. When my daughters had their boys I made all kind of baby things. This year I made them each a quilt with pieced fish for our annual fishing trip together. Scott_3508@netins.net

I've recently become more adept at free motion quilting designs other than squiggles, but am still hesitant to trying the rulers! Your baby things are great and inspiration for some up-coming new babies in the family.

You are such a prolific quilter and I love seeing your work. Very inspiring. An eager beaver here. I have practiced on several items before such as potholders and baby quilts. Practice is the thing that helps me get better.

I am a “Eager Beaver” that is nervous about free motion quilting but willing to try anything. Thank you for the look at your beautiful made projects made from the beautiful fabrics. They will come in handy for sure. Good luck with your new little blessing!

I love all the projects you did and the fabric is so yummy. I love to free motion quilt and try new things....just have to do lots of thinking. This fabric would make it so easy...let the fabric do the work!! Great projects.

I'm a little bit of both. I have really enjoyed the simple FMQ I have done, but I'm scared of trying anything more challenging because I dont want to mess up any good fabric (and who has time to just practice!?).

I don't enjoy FMQ on a standard sewing machine. Every time I have tried it, I haven't been happy with my results. I really wanted to drive the machine instead of move the quilt sandwich so I purchased a longarm and enjoy freehanding but I am not so talented as some and find I tend to do meandering with some basic variations to coordinate with the different quilts I make.

Great projects, thanks for sharing. I love free motion quilting, I have been practicing all summer, and I have certainly seen improvement. I guess that everyone is correct when they say to 'practice, practice, practice'. ;)dragonfly9716(at)yahoo(dot)com

I am a nervous Nellie. but a lightbulb went off today as I realized I have never freemotion quilted well on my newer Pfaff. I love the way it works with a walking foot but I am going back to my Huskie where I got better results. Janice.snell@gmail.com

Eager beaver but I have been doing it for a few years -- love doing it on wall hangings and baby quilts but usually farm out the big creations to long arm quilters as a business. Many times I use the fabric to inspire the quilting patterns. And we have had some good trunk shows from domestic machine quilters at our guild meetings that inspire and encourage.

Is there something below a Nervous Nellie? I have tried free motion quilting a few times and it isn't as difficult as I thought but still makes me a complete nervous wreck. I can't say that I enjoy any part of the process except the final product.

I am a Nervous Nettie about free-motion quilting; however, seeing your quilt does want to make me attempt it more. You are getting all set for your new baby with these awesome projects! Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net

I am definitely a nervous nelly, but am just getting started! I have free moron quilted 3 quilts so far and am still learning how to fill the spaces...this fabric is so neat! I'll have to give it a try sometime!

I am mostly an eager beaver when it comes to FMQ. I love how fast it goes and I am coming to appreciate the freedom to “personalize” mt quilting designs. There’s still a little nervous Nellie in me but she is mostly staying quiet. I would love to try these fabrics —- such a good idea and the colors are gorgeous! Thanks for the giveaway! Cotten.gloria@gmail.com

I am always eager to start a FMQ project but then the final results are not much what I am excited over. I know practicing is important so I keep attempting. I love the design the quilting gave the back of your quilt! And thank you for sharing about the vinyl. I haven't seen it or heard of it as of yet and looking forward to giving it a try.

I have only done FMQ stipples and swirls. I only get comfortable with FMQ after I have done some practicing. Your projects are just gorgeous, love the idea of using the fabric design for the quilting motifs.

I get inspired to try FMQ every few years and then I get frustrated and give up until the cycle starts again. I've been slowly increasing the quilting designs I can do with straight lines, so my clcyes are wide apart but I'm due to try again, maybe I'll pick up some of the fabric and see if it helps.

I'm Laura! I'm a quilter, pattern designer, and homeschooling mom of three boys. I'm also an ex-math teacher - and with a last name like Piland - there's a strong love of pi in our house! I'd love for you to take a look around and leave a comment so I can get to know you! Let's sew something together!

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